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ARMY IN ALASKA

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Your New Home

Army Community Service

FAMILY PROGRAMS’ FACILITIES

Army Community Service (ACS) Center

Centralized facility providing comprehensive, coordinated and responsive readiness service to support commanders, Soldiers, civilians and families.

Family Assistance Center (FAC)

Centers operating 24/7, established by garrison commanders under the auspices of ACS in response to deployments, natural disasters or catastrophic events to assist Soldiers and family members with basic services. Other agencies may be asked to participate in the FAC as local needs dictate. The National Guard operates FACs for families who are geographically dispersed and located in remote sites. Operated as needed and as directed by the garrison commander.

Soldier Family Assistance Center (SFAC)

Specialized services to support the needs of Warriors in Transition (WT) and their families. The SFAC provides a warm, relaxed environment where Soldiers and their families can gather to foster physical, spiritual and mental healing. These centers provide traditional ACS services tailored to the needs of WTs and their families, as well as transition services, child care, educational counseling, military personnel and alcohol and drug services coordination to support WTs and their family members as they transition back to duty or to the civilian life.

CORE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Army Family Action Plan (AFAP)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4227Fort Greely 907-873-3284

A grassroots, Army-wide initiative to identify and prioritize issues to enhance standards of living for Soldiers and their families.

Army Family Team Building (AFTB)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4227Fort Greely 907-873-3284

A family training and readiness program that provides participants with an understanding of Army culture and the skills and resources they need to become self-reliant, self-sufficient members of the military community. Online training available through www.myarmyonesource.com.

Army OneSource (AOS)

Network of the services and delivery of support to Soldiers and their families regardless of their component or geographical location. All key players who support the Army family are working in strategic partnerships to extend and expand support to those identified within the Soldier Family Action Plan and the Army Family Covenant, namely the geographically dispersed. AOS establishes partnerships with sister services to increase and sustain support to those not living near a garrison. Army Soldiers and family members may access programs and services through three primary ways: 1) traditional brick-and-mortar establishments at garrisons, 2) a web-based portal and 3) through partnerships with local community and government organizations. Services are available through www.myarmyonesource.com.

Army Volunteer Corps

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4227Fort Greely 907-873-3284

Unites volunteers and organizations using volunteers while strengthening volunteerism by enhancing the career mobility of volunteers, establishing partnerships and promoting a lifelong commitment to service. This, in turn, assists in maintaining readiness, sustaining communities and enriching lives throughout the Army.

Employment Readiness Program

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4227Fort Greely 907-873-2479

Provides employment assistance to active-duty, reserve component, transitioning and retired Soldiers, family members and DOD civilian employees in acquiring skills, networks and resources that will allow them to participate in the workforce and develop a career/work plan.

Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program (MSEP)

A self-sustaining and expanding partnership between the U.S. Army and corporate America. The partnership provides Army spouses the opportunity to attain financial security and achieve employment and career goals through mobility and enhanced employment options. MSEP is a core component of the Employment Readiness Program to enhance and develop employment opportunities for spouses. Services are available through https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

A mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, personnel and respite care services to families with special needs.

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-7317Fort Greely 907-873-4385

The Army FAP is committed to preventing domestic and child abuse and neglect by providing a variety of services to strengthen Army families and enhance resiliency. The FAP includes prevention, identification, reporting, investigation and treatment in support of Soldiers and families.

New Parent Support Program (NPSP)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-7515Fort Greely 907-873-4385

Provides professional social workers and nurses who offer supportive and caring services to military families with children from birth to 3 years old. Through a variety of programs, including home visits and parenting classes, the NPSP provides opportunities to learn to cope with stress, isolation, post-

deployment, reunions and the everyday demands of parenthood. The program is committed to developing strong Army families and the prevention and treatment of family violence. Its coordinated efforts are designed to prevent and intervene in cases of family distress and to promote healthy family life.

Victim Advocacy

Fort Wainwright 353-420224/7 Hotline 907-799-9770

Fort Greely 873-438524/7 Hotline 907-505-0379

Provides 24/7 services for victims of domestic violence. Victims have access to emergency assistance, information, referrals and ongoing support in accessing medical, behavioral health, legal and law enforcement services on and off garrisons. Available for both RESTRICTED (no command or law enforcement involvement) and UNRESTRICTED reports (full investigative process).

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

Exists solely for “helping the Army take care of its own.” Provides assistance for unexpected and financial stress to include: emergency travel, housing, car repair, utilities, medical and dental expenses, winterization, PCS-related expenses (new furniture, new car — up to $4,000), funeral costs and disaster relief. AER is offered as part of the continuum of services in Financial Readiness and is available to eligible Army personnel, their families, retirees, widows and orphans. The Commander’s Referral Program allows commanders to approve up to two $1,500 loans per year to protect Soldiers and family members from predatory lenders.

Emergency Food Program

Fort Wainwright 907-353-7453

Emergency food assistance support is available to aid in the prevention of privation on a short-term basis. Assistance is provided in coordination with the personal financial counselor and Army Emergency Relief officer.

Fort Greely, Individuals requiring assistance are referred to Fort Wainwright or to the Deltana Community Services Partnership.

Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-7438Fort Greely 907-873-2479

FSSA provides an allowance to Soldiers to help them fund their family’s food costs. Soldiers who have not qualified in the past for this type of assistance will be pleased to discover that the FSSA program recently was updated with lower qualification requirements and higher allowances being offered. The steps to apply are not difficult. Soldiers who think they may qualify can visit https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/fssa to complete an application.

After completing the application, Soldiers will be immediately informed about whether they qualify, as well as the dollar amount for which the family qualifies. The FSSA website is accessible only to active-duty service members, National Guard and reserve members on active-duty status. FSSA instructions, policy and guidance for eligibility can be found on the FSSA website on the Resources tab. Eligibility is based on the income for all members of the household and the number of people living in the household. Soldiers who qualify should print the completed application from the website and contact Army Community Service to schedule an appointment with one of the Financial Readiness advisers. After attending this appointment, the Soldier will take the completed packet to his or her command for certification and proper routing to the local finance office.

Information, Referral and Follow-up (IR&F)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-7298Fort Greely 907-873-3284

IR&F strives to provide Soldiers and families with timely, comprehensive information on both military and community resources that will assist in meeting basic needs and improve quality of life. IR&F helps clients find answers to perplexing problems or locate information not readily available elsewhere.

Master Resiliency Training (MRT)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4227Fort Greely 907-873-3284

This training replaces Battlemind Training. It offers strength-based, positive psychology tools to aid Soldiers, leaders and families in their ability to grow and thrive in the face of challenges and bounce back from adversity. Family Resilience Training trains the Soldiers’ families in preparing for and managing the realities of the deployment and the transition back home. Operational Resilience trains Soldiers and leaders in preparing for and managing the realities of the deployment and the transition back home.

Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC)

Fort Wainwright 907-388-2553Fort Greely 907-803-3563

A key outreach service to Soldiers and families. Enhanced community family support services offering licensed clinical social workers and psychologists to address various issues that Soldiers and families face before and after deployment. Completely confidential with the exception of reporting harm to self or others. No records are maintained or reported to the chain of command.

Mobilization and Deployment Readiness Program (MOBDEP)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4332Fort Greely 907-873-3284

Includes program and support activities designed to assist leaders at all levels and Soldiers and their families to successfully manage the challenges of mobilization and deployments before, during and after they occur. Key program for new and experienced Family Readiness Groups and rear detachment commanders.

Operation R.E.A.D.Y. (Resources for Educating About Deployment and You)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4332Fort Greely services not available.

Standardized training curriculum used by the MOB/DEP program and designed to prepare leaders, Soldiers, deployed civilians and families for the personal and family demands of the deployment cycle.

Outreach Services

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4227Fort Greely 907-873-3284

Center-based services are supplemented with outreach to families. The primary focus of outreach will be to deliver services to the following populations: geographically or socially isolated families identified as needing specific outreach services, first-term Soldiers and families, geographically separated families, newly arrived Soldiers and families in the community, single-parent families, and other Soldiers and families identified by a needs assessment. Additionally, unit service coordination will be established with commanders to provide the support needed by the units.

Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program

The Army’s SHARP program exists to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults before they occur. This program reinforces the Army’s commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability. Services are available for RESTRICTED (no command or law enforcement involvement) and UNRESTRICTED (full investigative process) reporting.

Survivor Outreach Services (SOS)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4004Fort Greely 907-873-4385

A multiagency approach which embraces and reassures survivors that they are continually linked to the Army family for as long as they desire. SOS fosters resiliency and ensures access to all entitled benefits, financial counseling and planning, and long-term support.

Transitional Compensation (TC) Program for Abused Dependents

Fort Wainwright 907-353-7317Fort Greely 907-873-4385

A congressionally mandated program for abused dependents of military personnel. Legislation authorizes temporary payments for families in which the active-duty Soldier has been separated administratively or by court-martial for a dependent-abuse offense. The TC Program offers benefits and entitlements for 12 to 36 months to eligible family members. During this benefit period, beneficiaries are provided temporary financial compensation and are eligible to receive medical care, including behavioral health services, as TRICARE beneficiaries. Recipients will also have commissary and exchange privileges during this period.

Other Resources

BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SINGLE SOLDIERS (BOSS)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-7648

BOSS supports the overall quality of life for single and unaccompanied Soldiers (including single parents), focusing on three core components: 1) quality of life 2) recreation and leisure activities and 3) community service. On Fort Wainwright, BOSS meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Fort Greely does not have a BOSS program. Contact the National Guard on Fort Greely at 907-873-2222.

FOOD PANTRY

Fort Wainwright 907-353-5962

Maintained by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) on Fort Wainwright. The ASYMCA supports military members and their immediate families throughout Alaska.

FOOD BOX PROGRAM

Fort Greely 907-590-1970

Deltana Community Services Partnership (DCSP) supports military members and their immediate families in the Delta Junction area. Provides emergency temporary food assistance, commodity supplemental food program and a Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program.

SOLDIERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING (SADD)

Fort Wainwright 907-353-4145

A key BOSS program at Fort Wainwright, SADD is a volunteer-driven designated driver and call-in program to aid in preventing Soldiers from driving while intoxicated. This is a NO-COST SERVICE. Services are available 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday; holiday schedule varies.

WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC)

WIC Supplementary Food Program is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, postpartum and breast-feeding mothers, and young children under the age of 5 eat well, learn about nutrition and stay healthy.

INTERIOR ALASKA CENTER FOR NON-VIOLENT LIVING (IAC)

IAC offers a wide range of advocacy and support services to all of Interior Alaska, including: safety planning, emergency shelter, crisis intervention, referrals and help with housing and public assistance, children’s services, parenting classes and much more.

FAIRBANKS RESOURCE AGENCY (FRA)

A community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing supportive services, housing, referrals, employment and information for individuals who experience a disability and their family or caregiver.

RESOURCE CENTER FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN (RCPC)

The prevention of child abuse and neglect begins with strengthening the family structure, helping parents with parenting skills, and providing a safe place for parents to share and deal with parenting issues.

EDUCATION

Active-duty and reserve component Soldiers, their spouses and civilian employees of the Army can use the services of the Army Education Center at Fort Wainwright to advance their education.

Education counseling can help focus goals into plans, identify career interests and point out academic weaknesses. Counselors can provide information on Veterans Affairs education benefits and other financial aid and scholarship programs, how colleges work, how to earn a degree and other general education advice. They can also explain how to apply for college credit for experiential learning from military training.

Fort Wainwright’s Education Center is in Building 4391; the telephone number is 907-361-7486. Counseling services are available 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and by appointment at lunch times and Friday.

The Fort Greely Education Center is in Building 661; the telephone number is 907-873-4369.

ARMY PERSONNEL TESTING

Services and testing hours are separate, with APT service available 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, and testing by appointment only. To schedule testing, please call 907-361-6154.

Army personnel tests include all those required for re-enlistment, retention and reclassification or for application to programs such as Warrant Officer Flight Training, the physician assistant program, nursing and others.

EXAMS FOR COLLEGE CREDIT

Students should consult with their home colleges for information on obtaining an approved, proctored exam. College exams can be proctored by several professionals, such as librarians, chaplains and commanders. Limited proctored exams are available but must be scheduled well in advance. Colleges will sometimes proctor exams for a sitting fee.

BASIC SKILLS INSTRUCTION

A Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST)/Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP) class is offered 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. pending contractual funding. FAST classes provide Soldiers with on-duty instruction in reading and math. The goal is to improve job performance, prepare Soldiers for more advanced schooling, increase re-enlistment options and enhance trainability. Four- to six-week sessions run quarterly. FAST class is limited to 20 students at a time.

EDUCATIONAL COUNSELING

Counseling appointments are available for information about education planning, tuition assistance and the GI Bill. Appointments may be made for lunchtime and after office hours, if needed. Counselors assist Soldiers in using the GoArmyEd portal. Eligible Soldiers can choose their home schools, obtain degree plans from their home schools and, if applicable, provide a course planner of outstanding courses.

GoArmyEd is the virtual gateway Soldiers use to request Tuition Assistance (TA) online anytime for classroom, distance learning and online college courses. TA pays 100 percent of tuition costs for postsecondary courses for eligible Soldiers working toward a degree, certification or licensure. There is a TA cost cap of $250 per semester hour and a 16-semester-hour limit per fiscal year.

The GoArmyEd portal gives Soldiers one-stop access to many regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities and more than 1,000 degree plans.

A number of colleges and universities provide courses on post during the lunch hour, evenings and weekends. Programs include degrees at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. At Fort Wainwright, these include the University of Alaska, Central Texas College and Wayland Baptist University. All on-post institutions are fully accredited and belong to the Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) association. Several colleges and universities maintain offices at the Fort Wainwright education center, including Central Texas College, the University of Alaska and Wayland Baptist University.

The post also offers a multitude of distance learning opportunities. The Distance Learning Center/Digital Training Facility can network a student into Army training offered online, by VTC facilitated by other locations, or set up joint conferencing with other installations for training. Units can reserve computer classrooms for required online training. The Fort Wainwright Distance Training/Learning Center is in Building 1031; telephone 907-353-6799.

FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District serves more than 14,300 students in 35 schools — from rural elementary schools of 100 students to comprehensive high schools of more than 1,200 — covering nearly 7,400 square miles. That’s roughly the size of Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island combined. The area also includes two military bases — Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base — as well as growing cities and close-knit rural communities.

Fairbanks, the state’s third-largest city, is the hub of the Interior and an ethnic melting pot. Students and their families come from more than 40 different language backgrounds, including Spanish, Lao, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, German, Tagalog, Thai and Hmong. The Athabascan people also continue to influence this rich cultural tapestry as the original residents for the past 10,000 years or more.

The school board is aware of that diverse population and is committed to hiring teachers, administrators and support staff who represent the community. The district also addresses the needs and perspectives of families with differing lifestyles, political orientations and viewpoints. This approach has attracted many families who might otherwise consider home-schooling or private-school options.

The district far transcends the one-size-fits-all approach. Students in grades kindergarten through 12 can choose rigorous academic courses, career technical education, an extended learning program, special education, advanced placement classes, university programs, a wide range of electives, and a variety of extracurricular and other student activities.

Students of Fairbanks North Star Borough School District also enjoy a technology-rich environment. All schools are wired; every teacher has a computer, and a “technology blueprint” integrates technology into the curriculum. Projectors, computer labs, SMART boards, document cameras, and a variety of instructional software for reading, writing and math enhance the classroom experience. And PowerSchool Premier, a student records management system, encourages interaction among teachers, students and parents.

Rounding out the curriculum are courses in career-technical education, special education, advanced placement, extended learning, specialized university courses, many electives, extracurricular activities and numerous student activities.

Elementary school students receive recess, general music, physical education and band. Orchestra lessons start in fourth grade, and an award-winning visual arts program integrates art lessons with subject areas at all grade levels.

The district employs state-required, standards-based assessments in grades three through 10, the TerraNova CAT in grades five and seven, and a High School Graduation Qualifying Exam. Other surveys may include the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the English Language Proficiency assessment, an early screening profile for new kindergartners, and ACT or SAT tests.

In general, the average student in the Fairbanks school district outperforms the average student in the state or nation on academic assessments. Student test results are compiled and posted on the district’s website as school report cards.

The school system is neither totally autonomous nor totally centralized. That allows each of the 35 schools to respond to their community’s desires and expectations within a framework of strong central leadership that sets goals, allocates funding and staffing, and ensures maximum accountability and consistency.

To receive the regular high school diploma, students must satisfactorily complete the State Board of Education’s and the school district’s required courses of study. Parameters include a minimum of 22.5 credits in the following subjects: English (four credits), social studies (3½ credits), science (three credits), math (three credits), physical education (1½ credits), health (half a credit) and seven elective credits.

To enroll in any Fairbanks public school, parents and students must present immunization records showing vaccination for DT, DPT or TD, polio, measles (series of two shots), rubella, hepatitis A (series of three shots), hepatitis B (series of three shots) and varicella (chicken pox). Other requirements include a signed physician’s statement explaining any medical reasons for a child’s lack of vaccination; new students must show their birth certificates; and kindergartners must be at least 5 years old before Sept. 1.

CHILD, YOUTH AND SCHOOL SERVICES (CYS)

Child, Youth and School Services include all programs serving children: Youth Services, School Age Services, Child Development Centers, Family Child Care and Outreach Services. All CYS Services programs are developmental, high-quality, certified by the Department of Defense, and fully accredited by the nationally recognized accreditation agencies: the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Council on Accreditation.

CYS Services programs have Parent Advisory Councils that meet monthly. All parents are invited to attend and provide input. Parents are also invited to visit programs at any time and to extend their volunteer time and talents to the community children. Parents are encouraged to participate in any of the programs and can earn Parent Participation Points toward a discount in their fees.

ARMY SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES (SSS)

School Support Services initiatives provide programmatic strategies and resources that help “level the playing field” for transitioning military students. Fort Wainwright School Support Services can help families with school issues and questions. The SSS office on Fort Wainwright is in Building 1045, Neely Road. Drop by or call 907-353-9377.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Child Development Services offers care for children from 4 weeks through 12 years old in three delivery systems:

Child Development centers.

Family Child Care homes.

Outreach Services.

Fort Wainwright CDC offers full-day (6 weeks to 5 years old) and part-day preschool programs. Hourly Care is provided at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Fort Greely CDC houses the SAS program, a blend of kindergarten and school-age children.

Family Child Care offers the same services in certified homes where there are well-trained, carefully screened providers.

Outreach Services includes Parent Central Services, information about on- and off-post child care programs, family care plan screening, training for baby sitters, parent and community education, play groups and arrangement of special child care needs, such as for units having special functions and wishing to have child care available on-site.

The Parent Central Services office on Fort Wainwright is in Building 1049, Apt. 2. In Fort Greely, it is at the front desk of the Child Development Center, Building 847. Families in need of care or with questions about child or youth programs should start by calling these offices at 907-353-7713 (Fort Wainwright) or 907-873-4599 (Fort Greely).

Relocating families should call ahead and inquire about care options. All CYS Services programs offer high-quality developmental activities that promote the intellectual, social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth of children. CYS Services programs includes water, science and sensory play, outdoor time, dramatic play, creative art, active play with climbing and balancing, music, and opportunities for storytelling and looking at books. Growth in language and socialization is particularly encouraged through family-style dining, where USDA-approved and nutritious meals and snacks are served.

Alaska has a Day Care Assistance Program for families with limited incomes. The Parent Central Services staff can answer questions about this program or any child care needs. Families in need of care or with questions about child or youth programs should start by calling either Parent Central Services office.

The CYS Services philosophy is that young children learn best through play and exploration. CYS Services staff provide the time and encouragement to ensure that children come to the program each day happy to be there.

FULL-DAY CARE

Hours for full-day child care are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely. Services are offered Monday through Friday except on federal holidays and training holidays. Fort Wainwright requires a Verification of Duty completed for ALL training holidays. These days are used to train CYS Services employees.

At Fort Wainwright, the full-day care facility is in Buildings 4024 and 4176 on 600th Street, 907-361-4190 and 907-361-9056, respectively.

At Fort Greely, the Child Development Center and School Age Services programs are in Building 847 on Big Delta Avenue, behind the post chapel. Call 907-873-4599 or 907-873-3405.

On Fort Wainwright, part-day preschool is in Building 4024 at the corner of 600th Street and Gaffney Road. Preschool is offered in morning and afternoon sessions for two or three days, as well as a five-day part-day Strong Beginnings program. The part-day programs run for three hours each day.

On Fort Greely, a part-day preschool program will be available in the Child Development Center in Building 847 from September through May, providing a full ratio group of 10 children enrolled. It will be offered 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

KINDERGARTEN CARE

Kindergarten Care provides before- and after-school care programs when school is in session. Fort Wainwright’s kindergarten program is in Building 4166, School Age Center. Care is offered 6 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 6 p.m., as well as 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for most school closure days and school vacations. Breakfast and an afternoon snack are served during the school year, with lunch served during full-day sessions.

HOURLY CARE

Hourly Care provides drop-in care with reservations accepted two weeks in advance. Children are accepted for same-day care if space is available or for a family emergency. Identical developmental care and nutrition are provided in Hourly Care as in the rest of CYSS. Fort Wainwright Hourly Care is in Building 3414. Call 907-353-2537 or 907-353-7713.

Hourly Care at Fort Greely may be reserved with 24-hour notice depending on availability. Hourly Care children are blended into existing care rooms when space is available in existing ratio groups.

SCHOOL AGE SERVICES

School Age Services provides before- and after-school care programs for school-age children when school is not in session. Care is offered 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely for teacher in-service days, school closure days and school vacations.

All school-age programs are developmental and recreational, with activities ranging from field trips to homework assistance as well as the opportunity to develop new friends. Drop-in daily care is also available in all programs for families who do not need monthly care. Breakfast and an afternoon snack are served during the school year, with lunch served during full-day sessions.

Parents and youth are welcome to visit the program at any time. Fees are based on family income. Registration for the program is through Parent Central Services.

Fort Wainwright school-age care is in Building 4166 on Neely Road near Arctic Light Elementary School; phone 907-361-7394. A summer camp is provided with exciting activities for children between May and August.

Fort Greely school-age care is in Building 847 on Big Delta Avenue (behind the post chapel). The local school district bus picks up children at the program and transports them to the school in Delta Junction. The phone number is 907-873-4599. A summer camp is provided with exciting activities for children between May and August.

YOUTH SERVICES (YS)

Youth Services offers programs to meet the social, recreational, physical and cognitive development needs of youth and teens. Programs vary at each post but strive to cover all program areas.

Youth Services is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and has national affiliations with BGCAs across the country and overseas. Contact YS for more detailed program information at 907-361-5437 at Fort Wainwright and 907-873-3405 at Fort Greely.

The sports program offers health and nutrition workshops, sports clinics, and intramural and group sport activities. These include T-ball, baseball, softball, indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball and cheerleading, along with adventure activities such as rock climbing and whitewater rafting.

Youth Services staff makes sure all inbound youth feel welcome; they also manage the college scholarship search program and work with teens in special programs such as arts, leisure and recreation programs. Clubs, such as the Torch and Keystone clubs, provide opportunities for youth to be a part of new programs and community events in leadership and community service roles. Additional activities include youth volunteer initiatives, dances, cookouts, field trips, workforce preparation, and sports and game competitions.

The Fort Wainwright YS program is constantly growing and has added many new programs for youth. This facility includes a large gymnasium, a snack area, a game room, lounges, the Teen Room, and in the winter, an outdoor ice rink. A state-of-the-art technology lab is available for youth to develop technology skills. The YS program is in Building 4109 on Neely Road.

The Fort Greely YS program, in Building 653 on Big Delta Avenue, is also growing and is adding new programs as new youth interests are defined. The facility has a movie/club room, homework area, snack bar, youth technology lab and game room.

OUTREACH SERVICES (OS)

Outreach Services offers child care support services for families and agencies of the community. An element of OS is Parent Central Services, which provides a one-stop center where parents can enroll all their children, 4 weeks through 18 years old, for CYS Services programs. For safety and health purposes, all children, regardless of age, must enroll before using this service. Staff members are available to help parents determine which programs can best meet their family’s needs. For those parents needing off-post child care, the Parent Central Services staff can offer information and referrals.

For information about enrollment procedures or any other OS information at Fort Wainwright, call 907-353-7713 or 907-353-7826. The Parent Central Services office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fort Greely currently accommodates outreach spaces for special events at the Child Development Center with prior approval from the director of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Children with special medical or educational concerns are referred to the Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP) prior to being accepted in CYS Services programs. The primary function of the SNAP team is to ensure that each child is placed in the environment that most appropriately meets his or her needs. Special emphasis is placed on providing consistent care for each child in a safe, healthy, nonrestrictive environment. Parents are invited to attend and participate in the team meeting scheduled to review the child’s needs. Parents should address questions and concerns to the OS director.

Kids On Site programs and Special Child Care openings can be made available to meet surge child care needs of the community. Surge care is provided when an excessive number of children need care during a specific time period, such as during a community meeting like the Army Family Action Plan conference or during a special unit function.

The OS director will work with the unit or agency to meet special unit child care needs during any functions, such as a unit ball or field day. For information, please call the OS director, 907-353-9544.

Volunteer Child Care Unit Settings provides training for unit members who volunteer to provide child care during Family Support Group meetings, fundraisers and other unit functions. Training should be requested at least four weeks prior to the anticipated need unless it is an emergency.

Parent Central Services also maintains a baby sitter referral list. Sitters must be at least 13 years old and must complete baby sitter training prior to being placed on the referral list. OS provides teenage baby sitter training classes several times each year. If space is available, youth as young as 11 years of age may participate in the training. However, they will not be included on the referral list until they are 13 years old.

FAMILY CHILD CARE (FCC)

Family Child Care is an excellent option for parents who find family housing a more comfortable setting for their child. FCC providers are an important part of the CYS Services team and offer equivalent developmental care to that found in Child Development Centers.

FCC providers are always needed for families seeking care for their children in a smaller setting; these have proved to be a wonderful opportunity for spouses who wish to remain at home and begin professional careers as providers.

FCC homes are multiage, and some provide extended hours. Some homes have achieved an extra mark of excellence by receiving National Family Child Care accreditation or Child Development Associate credentials.

The FCC director is readily available with assistance and can provide immediate resources to get an FCC home started through the FCC’s extensive lending library, which includes cribs, art supplies, toys, games and other resources available for loan to FCC providers at no charge.

Specialized training is offered on many topics, including small-business practices. FCC provider training includes an in-home family interview, a 40-hour orientation, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes, and nutrition and health information.

Fire, safety and health inspectors ensure that all homes are safe before they begin operation, and a background screening is completed on all family members 12 years old and older. Army regulations require that anyone providing regular care in Army quarters must be certified through the FCC office.

Those interested in joining the FCC team should call or stop by the FCC office in Building 1049 at Fort Wainwright — phone 907-353-6266 — or Building 847 at Fort Greely — phone 907-873-4599.

SKIES UNLIMITED

SKIES Unlimited is a program designed to complement and enhance the lives of military children. The SKIES acronym stands for schools of knowledge, inspiration, exploration and skills.

On Fort Wainwright, the SKIES Unlimited program offers children’s classes in martial arts, movement and dance, sports, art, music, language and much more. On Fort Wainwright, call 907-353-7713 for program information.

The Fort Greely SKIES Unlimited program contact can be reached at 907-873-4599. The programs currently include multiple six-week skill-building sports workshops, art classes, music classes and more.

SCOUTING

Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops are available on both forts Wainwright and Greely. Those interested may contact the Farthest North Girl Scout Council at 907-456-4782 or 800-478-4782, by email at fngsc2@alaska.com or online at www.fairbanksgirlscouts.org.

For Boy Scouts of America in Fairbanks, contact the Midnight Sun Council at 907-452-1976 or visit www.midnightsunbsa.org.

SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS

School Liaison officers can provide school registration, clearance information and assist in resolving problems. For information, call the Fort Wainwright School Liaison officer at 907-353-9377. The Fort Greely School Liaison officer can be reached at 907-873-5662.

CHAPELS

Protestant and Catholic worship services, as well as other denominational services, are available on all posts.

At Fort Wainwright, they are held at Southern Lights Chapel, Eighth and Neely, and Northern Lights Chapel, next to Monterey Lake.

At Fort Greely, services are conducted in the Main Post Chapel, Building 845, Big Delta.

The religious education program involves numerous activities, including weekly CCD classes for Catholics and Sunday school classes for Protestants, for ages ranging from nursery school through adult groups. Weekly Bible study and other adult religious education options are also a vital part of the religious education program. Vacation Bible schools are an annual event at each post.

The Protestant and Catholic congregations offer activities through the innovative leadership of chapel councils, which include adult and children’s choirs, Catholic and Protestant Women of the Chapel, Christian men’s organizations, and many special family and social events.

The chaplains conduct off-post religious retreats for single Soldiers, engaged couples, families, youth and married couples. These range from one-day retreats to weekend activities for couples and families, to a week of camp for children and youth during the summer.

There is a Chaplain Family Life Center at Fort Wainwright. Family Life chaplains have advanced degrees in marriage and family counseling and provide individual, couples and family counseling. Soldiers, couples and their families may contact their unit chaplain, the Family Life chaplain or the chaplain from their respective faith group. The Family Life Center is behind the Northern Lights Chapel in Building 3429 on Rhineland Road at Luzon Avenue. Family Life chaplains may be reached by calling 907-353-6112.

A chaplain is on duty at night and on weekends to meet emergency needs of anyone seeking assistance. You may reach the duty chaplain on all posts by calling the chaplain on call at 907-353-4180 or 907-353-6666 for Fort Wainwright or 907-873-2476 for Fort Greely and asking to speak to the chaplain.

The “Alaska Post” and the commander’s channels — cable Channel 5 on Fort Wainwright, Channel 12 on Fort Greely — list a complete schedule of all religious activities. Schedules are also available from the post chapels.

For information about the Fort Wainwright religious program, call the post chaplain at 907-353-9825. For information about the Fort Greely religious program, call the post chapel administrator at 907-873-2488 or fax 907-873-2480. Contact the 49th Chaplain assistant at 907-873-2480 and the Chaplain at 907-873-9822.

COMMISSARIES

Despite its distance from the Lower 48, Defense Commissary Agency commissaries in Alaska stock all the produce, fresh meat, dairy products and other food items you are used to with the express purpose of helping improve your quality of life and stretch your paycheck.

Shoppers may bring guests into the commissaries, but patrons must show a valid ID card at checkout to purchase groceries. We are confident you’ll enjoy your shopping experience and find friendly, knowledgeable and helpful employees to make each trip to the commissary a pleasant experience.

The Fort Wainwright Commissary, in Building 3703A, is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Call 907-353-6218 for information or visit www.commerce.alaska.gov/web. The commissary carries more than 10,500 line items in numerous categories.

A complete deli and bakery along with a Grab ’n Go section are customer favorites. The deli department makes sandwiches to order, as well as fresh sushi daily for healthy alternatives. Special orders are welcome.

The commissary at Fort Greely, Building 601, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. Call 907-873-4407 for more information.

Regular surveys show customers shopping the commissary can save more than 30 percent on their grocery bills. In addition, you’ll find substantial savings during periodic “case lot” sales.

For more information on features and special events at your local commissary, check out www.commissaries.com. Click on the “locations” link and choose the commissary nearest you.

ARMED SERVICES YMCA OF ALASKA

The Armed Services YMCA of Alaska on Fort Wainwright is in Murphy Hall, Building 1047, Suite 8, and has served the Alaska military community continuously since 1941. Its mission is to focus on the needs of military personnel and their families. Armed Services YMCA programs and services are offered to all service branches including the Alaska National Guard and their family members.

Working in partnership with the military and civilian communities, the Armed Services YMCA provides more than 30 programs and services year-round. Programs and services differ between installations, largely in response to local needs and conditions. Outreach activities are available on a limited basis at Fort Greely.

Two military courtesy lounges are provided to the traveling military: the Atwood Military Lounge at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and a lounge at Fairbanks International Airport. Low-cost transportation for all military personnel is provided through a shuttle van service, furnishing rides to those needing them.

The ASYMCA operates the Thrift Store on Fort Wainwright at 102nd and Chestnut Street in the North Post area. The Thrift Store features seasonal sales and discount programs, such as Operation Giveaway, throughout the year. Consignments and donations are accepted. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. Call 907-356-1211.

Known as the “go-to” organization, the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska provides support to organizational clubs (e.g., booster clubs, Family Readiness Groups, etc.) and individuals in need. “Filling the gap” is a trademark of the Y.

For more information on the Armed Services YMCA, call 907-353-5962 on Fort Wainwright.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross is mandated by Congress to provide service to the armed forces of the United States. At the same time, federal law prohibits the Red Cross from using tax money to provide these services, so funds donated directly by Americans to the organization and through the Combined Federal Campaign pay all operating costs.

Services provided for military personnel and their families include:

Emergency communications concerning the death or critical illness of family members. These emergency messages provide the service member and family with information about the emergency and furnish military authorities with details necessary to make informed leave decisions in accordance with regulations.

Communications to meet other emergency needs in situations involving a breakdown in child care plans or serious vehicle problems while traveling through Canada.

Communications of a nonemergency but essential nature, such as birth notifications, that cannot be handled effectively except by the use of Red Cross resources.

Helping to find financial assistance on behalf of military aid societies to meet travel expenses in connection with emergency leave and to meet other emergency needs in selected situations. Service members have after-hours access to Army Emergency Relief through the Armed Forces Emergency Services Center at 907-361-4000.

Helping families communicate and locate family members throughout the world during natural disasters.

Referral or information about other appropriate offices, agencies or organizations that provide services to military personnel and their families.

The 24-hour number for emergency communications is 877-272-7337.

The American Red Cross office, in Bassett Army Community Hospital on Fort Wainwright, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, call 907-361-5685. The Red Cross’ Service to Armed Forces coordinator is available on post 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, you can reach the coordinator at 907-456-5937 or at 3501 Lathrop St., Unit G, in Fairbanks. On Thursday, you may reach the coordinator at 907-646-5427 at Eilson Air Force Base, Building 3126, Room 203.

VETERINARY SERVICES

Fort Wainwright Branch Veterinary Services provides veterinary care to all Department of Defense installations in the area. Questions about policies regarding pets in Alaska can be directed to the Fort Wainwright Veterinary Services at 907-361-3013. For more information, you may access the USAG-AK Regulations 210-11: Registration and Control of Animals, and USAG-AK 40-1: Zoonosis Control and Operation of Veterinary Treatment Facilities, from the United States Army Alaska website.

Animal companionship can be especially beneficial to a service family stationed in Alaska, but it should be emphasized that pets are a privilege and keeping them on post entails many responsibilities. Each family residing on post is authorized up to two pets, which must be registered with the post veterinarian and microchipped within 14 days of arrival. The Army’s housing manager and partner in privatized housing at forts Greely and Wainwright, North Haven Communities, charges a deposit for each animal in housing: $150 per animal as of October 2014. For updated information about their pet deposits, policies and fees, go to www.nhcalaska.com.

Pet owners are responsible for the well-being of their animals, as well as the sanitation of their environment. Owners who cannot adequately care for and maintain their pets will be asked to remove them from the installation. Indoor pets are the easiest to maintain because of the restrictive climate and compactness of the family housing area. Alaska winters pose a health risk to most pet breeds if they spend a significant length of time outside. All owners must be vigilant of their pets needs when exposing them to these harsh environmental conditions.

Owners of birds and exotic animals should contact their local USDA or state agriculture department prior to coming to Alaska to learn the most recent regulations governing movement of these species through Canada to Alaska.

The Fort Wainwright Veterinary Treatment Facility provides services to include immunizations for rabies and other animal diseases, post registration, microchipping, health certificate examinations, sick call and diagnostics. Surgical and dental procedures are limited, and boarding and hospitalization is not available. Due to the ready availability of civilian veterinarians in the local communities and limitations of the military veterinary services, emergency care should be sought off post. Fort Wainwright’s Veterinary Treatment Facility is in Building 3597, Oak Avenue. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the facility is closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch and Thursdays and all federal holidays. Appointments can be made during normal business hours by calling 907-361-3013.

SPOUSES’ CLUB

The Fort Wainwright Community Spouses’ Club is open to spouses of active-duty and retired military members in all branches of the armed services who are assigned, attached or living at Fort Wainwright, as well as active military members and Department of Defense civilians and their spouses. The club is philanthropic in nature. Civic and welfare projects are conducted for the benefit of Fort Wainwright and local community organizations, while fostering a spirit of friendship, support and goodwill for members through education, volunteerism and participation in community affairs.

For more than 30 years, the Fort Wainwright CSC has hosted the famous Holly Days Bazaar in October that brings in thousands of holiday shoppers seeking homemade crafts and unique Alaska gifts. With more than 100 vendors from across the state, the bazaar historically raises $10,000 to $15,000 each year, and that money is then used to enhance educational opportunities for students, young and old, in the form of scholarships.

In addition, the Fort Wainwright CSC is able to give generously to local nonprofits on and off post.